Itanagar: Huge controversy erupted in Arunachal Pradesh after a derogatory comment against indigenous faith of the tribals of the state by a Christian MLA Nikh Kamin. The Bordumsa constituency MLA while opposing the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religious Act 1978 (APFRA) said that there was only ‘Head Hunting’ amongst the tribals before Christianity came to the state. He also said that there was a revenge system amongst the Nichi community and only violence prevailed in the state. It was Christianity which made Arunachal Pradesh civilised and there is vast difference then and now, he said.
After the derogatory comment against the Indigenous faiths of the state by the elected member of the state assembly, a complaint against MLA Kamin was filed and accordingly police registered a FIR against him. Simultaneously, Legal Right Observatory (LRO) also lodged a complaint against MLA Kamin National Human Rights Commission (NRHM). LOR in a X post wrote, “Historic Day in the history of Northeast India’s indigenous faith communities!
Hostoric Day in the history of North East India's indigenous faith communities!
Arunachal Pradesh police has registered an FIR against Christian MLA Nikh Kamin who had openly insulted age old indigenous faith followers of the state upon which LRO had lodged a complaint against… pic.twitter.com/SCE2Ga3Ppz— Legal Rights Observatory- LRO (@LegalLro) June 25, 2025
Arunachal Pradesh police has registered an FIR against Christian MLA Nikh Kamin who had openly insulted age old indigenous faith followers of the state upon which LRO had lodged a complaint against him at @India_NHRC!
In NE states there is an undeclared freedom to Church entities to openly persecute ancient faiths and their deities are blatantly insulted!
For the first time they are getting legally challenged and MLA may face disqualification if charges are proven!”
What is APFRA?
The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 was enacted to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions in the state. The law prohibits conversions through: Force – Using threats, coercion, or violence to make someone change their religion.
Inducement – Offering financial benefits, gifts, or promises of better living conditions to influence religious conversions.
Fraudulent Means – Misrepresentation, false claims, or deceptive practices to persuade individuals to convert.
Section 3 of the Act clearly states:
“No person shall convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any person from one religious faith to any other religious faith by the use of force or by inducement or by any fraudulent means, nor shall any person abet any such conversion.”
The law was introduced to safeguard indigenous faiths, which include Buddhism (practiced by Monpas, Membas, Sherdukpens, Khambas, Khamptis, and Singphos) Vaishnavism (practiced by Noctes) Donyi-Polo (Nature worship followed by several indigenous tribes)
While the Act was meant to protect indigenous religions, Christian groups argue that it restricts religious freedom and discriminates against Christians.
